catalase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Academic, Scientific, Technical
Quick answer
What does “catalase” mean?
An enzyme that decomposes hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An enzyme that decomposes hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.
A crucial antioxidant enzyme found in nearly all living organisms exposed to oxygen; it protects cells from oxidative damage by reactive oxygen species.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. The word is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Purely technical/neutral in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language, but standard within relevant scientific fields (biochemistry, molecular biology, medicine).
Grammar
How to Use “catalase” in a Sentence
The [organism/cell] produces catalase.Catalase breaks down [hydrogen peroxide].[Something] is tested for catalase activity.[A mutation] affects catalase function.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “catalase” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- catalase-positive bacteria
- catalase-mediated reaction
American English
- catalase-positive organisms
- catalase-dependent process
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Standard term in biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, and medical papers discussing oxidative stress.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core, precise term in laboratory protocols (e.g., catalase test for bacterial identification), research publications, and textbooks.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “catalase”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “catalase”
- Mispronouncing it as /kætəˈleɪz/ (stress on third syllable).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., "to catalase").
- Confusing it with 'catalyse'/'catalyze' (which is a verb meaning to act as a catalyst).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised scientific term. You will only encounter it in biochemistry, biology, or medical contexts.
No, it is exclusively a noun. The related verb is 'catalyse'/'catalyze'.
The catalase test is a standard procedure in microbiology labs to help identify types of bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus is catalase-positive, Streptococcus is catalase-negative).
No. It is a precise technical noun and does not form part of idiomatic language.
Catalase is usually academic, scientific, technical in register.
Catalase: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkætəleɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæt̬əleɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CATALyst that works at high speed to ASE (erase) hydrogen peroxide, like a cleanup crew in a cell.
Conceptual Metaphor
CELL'S FIREFIGHTER / DETOXIFICATION AGENT / PROTECTIVE SCAVENGER
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary biochemical function of catalase?